"Don't Quote Me, but ...." (From the dusted off Archives)

Post from 9-6-06

(Incidently, I just "celebrated" my 4 year blogiversary! Oh I should subtract a year for my 364 day sabbatical? You just have to mention and rub that in right? OK, 3 years then, Happy?

On various occasions in the last 32 months, news reporters will call me (as they do others), to comment on a variety of topics, usually action items to be voted on or have been voted on. Some of the subjects are controversial; such as zoning and land use planning, voting not to renew a long sitting administrator's contract, campaigns and (perceived dirty tricks), tax increases, water bonds, RDA money allocations, budget votes and on and on. At times a reporter will write a story on a meeting I was in and quoting me in the context of that meeting. 

 I believe it was William Randolph Hearst who said something to the effect that it is not wise to take on someone who buys ink by the barrels. I am certainly not looking for a fight. I have had a number of good experiences (and some regrets) in dealing with the media. The following are some media tips if any of you get a "call" from a reporter to comment on a story, or are in a meeting with a reporter present :

1. If you are not prepared or it is not a good time to talk, ask to return the call. Ask if the reporter is working on a deadline and what it is. Be sure to return the call well before the deadline.
2. If you don't want to see it in print or on the air, don't say it.
3. There is no such thing as "off the record".
4. Most reporters will try very hard to represent your views objectively and accurately. Their reputation is on the line with each interview as well as yours.
5. You can sometimes get a journalist to agree to check quotes or review footage with you before using them. Some reporters will agree to this, many will not.
6. You should never assume anyone from the media is your friend. It's all niceties and politeness until you see the quote or soundbite they chose, which misrepresents your position.
7. You should expect to have the worst thing you say be the quote that shows in print or on TV. You think you said something perfectly concise, intelligent and insightful? Great, it won't show up anywhere.
8. You should also expect the most sensational aspect of your story to be played up. (It has even been "reported" that reporters make up stuff to make it seem more controversial). I have never experienced this to date.
9. If you show the slightest bit of hostility, that will be favored.
10. Private conversations with others will also be reported if heard by the reporter (and usually only part of the private conversation is reported). Click here for an example, 4th full para. down, "Budget hearing".

Happy news reporting!!

Comments

[Shirl]

Your comment Mrs. Hatch is neither snarky nor incorrect. While on the dais, during a meeting and without recess, it is true what you say. Three years ago, we were discussing budget issues. The council chamber was filled with citizens. They wanted a straw vote regarding a raise in property taxes which was needed to catch up with several years of inflation and neglected items. I did mention to the mayor "Don't do a straw vote, (it isn't an accurate representation)." Despite saying that, ironically a reporter reported the first part of the comment, which made it a public comment (at least journalisticly). My comment should have been made public over the microphone and part of the record. Since that time I have been careful not to discuss pertinent business items with colleagues during a "Called to Order" meeting, or even extraneous items, lest chamber visitors get the wrong impression. Even during a recess, caution should be exercised in speaking with a fellow council member, so not to give rise to the appearance of improper communications, giving the wrong impression, even if discussing the recent success of the BYU Football team. Thank you for the comment.

[L. Hatch]

So I have resisted commenting on this because I risk sounding snarky, but . . .

As for #10, if I followed the link correctly, then I guess I would just point out that:

There is no such thing as "a private conversation" at a public meeting when you are an elected official.

That is all.